The Italian architect and engraver Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778) was born in Venice. He started taking drawing lessons at an early age, and was primarily influenced by the work of architect Palladio. At the age of eighteen years old, he moved to Rome with an ardent desire to know the Eternal City and worked as draughtsman at the service of the Venetian embassy to the Vatican. In Rome, Piranesi studied engraving under Giuseppe Vasi, with whom he later clashed. An impulsive, ambitious and prolific artist, Piranesi worked in harmony with his time, as he was always drawn to and cultivated the dramatic, the inspired and the spectacular.

As with the work of French architect David Leroy (1724-1803), the technique and art of Piranesi's drawings aim to make an impact the viewer. A strong impression, which it is the artist's duty to convey, is deemed more important than precision in representation. Piranesi is among the most dynamic exponents of Neoclassicism; at the same time, he belongs to early Romanticism as well, as the remains of classical civilisations become the cause of poetic emotion.

Piranesi also visited Naples, where he depicted the local antiquities with passion and admiration, and created several copper moulds of his works. He returned to Venice in 1744, where he refined his engraving skills. It was there that he published his first major work “Carceri di invenzione” (“Fictitious prisons”, 1750, 1761 and 1780). The uncanny as well as evocative spaces of the prisons invented by Piranesi disturb the viewer and constitute a lasting influence on visual artists, writers and architects from his time to the present.

Later in his life, Piranesi returned to Rome, where he worked mainly as an engraver and painter and less as an architect. His “Monuments of Rome”, made a great impact on his contemporaries. In contrast to the contemporary intellectual atmosphere, and while scholars (such as Winkelmann, Ramsey, Stuart, Revett) direct their attention to Greece, which they see as the primary inspiration of Roman architecture, Piranesi sustained that the Etruscans, a people older than the Greeks, were the first to achieve aesthetic perfection. His ideas provoked a debate among European scholars, and opened new pathways to the study of ancient legacy.

The two thousand copper engravings drawn and etched by Piranesi in his lifetime were published posthumously in Paris by his sons, in a monumental edition (1835-1837).

Written by Ioli Vingopoulou

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  Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, Rome.

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  Section and plan of funerary chamber, Rome.

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  Interior of columbarium tomb which possibly belonged to the family of Augustus.

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  View of the remains of columbarium tomb which possibly belonged to the family of Augustus.

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  Section and plan of columbarium tomb thought to belong to the family of Augustus.

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  Section, plan and decorative features from mausoleum on the Via Tiburtina, Rome.

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  Decorative features from the sarcophagus of emperor Alexander Severus and his mother Julia Mamaea (today at the Capitoline museum, Rome).

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  Decorative features from the sarcophagus of emperor Alexander Severus and his mother Julia Mamaea (today at the Capitoline museum, Rome).

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  The sarcophagus of emperor Severus Alexander and his mother Julia Avita Mamaea, which is kept today at the Capitoline museum, Rome.

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  Section of mausoleum, considered to belong to the family of Alexander Severus.

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  Plan of mausoleum, possibly of the family of emperor Severus Alexander.

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  Fragment from the vault of Roman mausoleum, Rome.

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  Mausoleum of the Scipios family.

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  View of the mausoleum of Priscilla on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Elevation and plan of the mausoleum of Priscilla on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Elevation and plan of Roman mausoleum, Rome.

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  Section and decorative features of the sarcophagus of Saint Constance at the church of Santa Costanza, Rome.

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  The sarcophagus of Saint Constance, daughter of emperor Constantine the Great, at the church of Santa Costanza Rome.

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  Composition of architectural and decorative elements from the church of Santa Costanza,, Rome.

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  Ceiling plan and section of the church of Santa Costanza, Rome.

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  Plan of the church and mausoleum of Santa Costanza, Rome.

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  Sarcophagi and reliefs from columbarium near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Inscriptions and lamps from columbarium near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Inscriptions and lamps from columbarium near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Inscriptions and lamps from columbarium near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Interior of columbarium near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Urn inscriptions and reliefs from the columbarium tomb of the family of Lucius Arruntius, counsel to Augustus, near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Urn inscriptions and reliefs from the columbarium tomb of the family of Lucius Arruntius, counsel to Augustus, near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Urn inscriptions and reliefs from the columbarium tomb of the family of Lucius Arruntius, counsel to Augustus, near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Murals from the columbarium tomb of the family of Lucius Arruntius, counsel to Augustus, near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Ceiling plan and section of sarcophagus at the tomb of the family of Lucius Arruntius, counsel to Augustus, near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Chamber at the columbarium tomb of the family of Lucius Arruntius, counsel to Augustus, near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Chamber at the columbarium tomb of the family of Lucius Arruntius, counsel to Augustus, near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Plan of the columbarium tomb of the family of Lucius Arruntius, counsel to Augustus, near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Plan of funerary monument outside the Porta S. Sebastiano or Appian Gate, Rome.

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  Frontispiece: Imaginary depiction of the intersection of Via Appia and Via Ardeatina.

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  Topographic map of the Capitoline Hill.

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  Topographic map of the Roman Forum and adjacent area, in antiquity.

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  Plan of the thermae of Diocletian in Rome.

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  Plan of the nymphaeum of Nero at the Domus Aurea, the emperor's palace.

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  Plan and section of the Thermae of Caracalla, Rome.

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  Plan of the barracks of the Praetorian guard, Rome.

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  Topographic map of ancient Rome.

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  Interior of the Colosseum, 18th century.

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  Colosseum, Rome.

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  Arch of Constantine, Rome.

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  Remains of Domus Aurea, Nero's Palace, Rome.

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  Remains of the palace of Augustus on Palatine Hill, Rome.

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  Remains of Aqua Claudia aqueduct on Palatine Hill, Rome.

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  Arch of Titus, Rome.

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  Remains of Domus Aurea, Nero's Palace, Rome.

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  Remains of the temple of Castor and Pollux in the Roman Forum, Rome.

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  Remains of temple in Rome. The engraver identifies the site as the temple of Jupiter Tonans.

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  Remains of the temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum, Rome.

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  Arch of Septimius Severus, Rome.

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  Side view of the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, built on the site of the temple of Antoninus and Faustina in Rome.

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  Remains of the Forum of Nerva, Rome.

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  Remains of the Forum of Nerva, Rome.

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  Trajan's column in the Forum of Trajan, Rome.

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  Part of the exedra of Trajan's forum, Rome.

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  View of the Thermae of Diocletian, Rome.

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  Remains of the Thermae of Titus, Rome.

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  Plan of the Thermae of Titus, Rome.

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  Interior of the Thermae of Titus, Rome.

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  Arch of Gallienus, Rome.

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  View and plan of the Nymphaeum of Alexander or Trofei di Mario, Rome.

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  Interior view of S. Stefano Rotondo basilica on Caelian hill, Rome.

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  View of the Arch of Dolabella and Silanus.

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  Remains of the arches of Nero (extension of Aqua Claudia) on the Caelian hill, Rome.

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  Roman remains on the Caelian hill.

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  Remains of Nero's aqueduct (an extension of Aqua Claudia) on the Aventine hill, Rome.

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  Roman remains on the slopes of the Aventine hill.

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  Wall along the bank of the Tiber, part of the Cloaca Maxima, ancient Rome's sewage system.

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  Remains of the temple of Hercules Olivarius, Rome.

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  One of the arches of Janus Quadrifons in the Forum Boarium.

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  View of the remains of the house of Nicolo di Rienzo, or house of the Crescenzi family (11th century).

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  View of the Ponte Rotto or Pons Aemilius, Rome.

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  View of the remains of the portico of M. A. Lepidus.

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  Section and details of the aqueduct of Caracalla.

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  The Arch of Drusus, Rome. In fact, the arch belongs to the Antonine aqueduct, which crossed the Appian Way.

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  Tomb chamber, Rome (imaginary depiction).

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  View of the temple of Speranza Vecchia, Rome.

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  View of Porta Maggiore, Rome, with plan of the junction of Aqua Claudia and Anio Novo aqueducts. The inscription reads: TI. CLAUDIUS DRUSI F. CAISAR AUGUSTUS GERMANICUS PONTIF. MAXIM., TRIBUNICIA POTESTATE XII, COS. V, IMPERATOR XXVII, PATER PATRIAE, AQUAS CLAUDIAM EX FONTIBUS, QUI VOCABANTUR CAERULEUS ET CURTIUS A MILLIARIO XXXXV, ITEM ANIENEM NOVAM A MILLIARIO LXII SUA IMPENSA IN URBEM PERDUCENDAS CURAVIT...

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  Remains of Aqua Claudia aqueduct near Porta Maggiore (on the right), Rome.

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  Roman nymphaeum at the temple of Esquilino, Rome, also nown as the temple of Minerva Medica.

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  Remains of Roman walls, Rome.

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  Interior of the Pantheon of Rome.

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  The pronaos of the Pantheon of Rome.

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  View of the Pantheon of Rome.

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  Corinthian columns, Rome.

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  View of the remains of the temple of Antoninus and Faustina.

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  The column of Marcus Aurelius at Piazza Colonna, Rome.

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  View of Acqua Vergine aqueduct, Rome.

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  View of Aqua Alsietina aqueduct, Rome.

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  Plan and details of Muro Torto, Rome.

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  Ceiling plan, partial reconstruction and plan of Aqua Julia aqueduct, Rome.

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  Reconstruction, plan and architectural details of Porta San Lorenzo at the Aurelian Walls, Rome.

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  Architectural details of Anio Vetus aqueduct, Rome.

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  Ampitheatre Castrense, Rome.

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  Block of tufa, a construction material widely used in ancient Rome.

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  Fragments of the marble plan of ancient Rome called Forma Urbis Romae, or Severan Marle plan, created under Septimius Severus.

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  Fragments of the marble plan of ancient Rome called Forma Urbis Romae, or Severan Marle plan, created under Septimius Severus.

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  Fragments of the marble plan of ancient Rome called Forma Urbis Romae, or Severan Marle plan, created under Septimius Severus.

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  Map of Rome. To the right and left of the map, marble fragments with views and plans of the city's monuments.

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  Fragment of Roman inscription from Rome.

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  Inscriptions of the Praetorian Guard.

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  Pier with Chains: Fictitious prison space from the second edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1761).

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  Pier with Chains: Fictitious prison space from the first edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1749/50).

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  Pier with a Lamp: Fictitious prison space from the second edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1761).

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  Pier with a Lamp: Fictitious prison space from the first edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1749/50).

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  Gothic Arch: Fictitious prison space from the second edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1761).

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  Gothic Arch: Fictitious prison space from the first edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1749/50).

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  The Well: Fictitious prison space from the second edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1761).

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  The Well: Fictitious prison space from the first edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1749/50).

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  Sawhorse: Fictitious prison space from the second edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1761).

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  Sawhorse: Fictitious prison space from the first edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1749/50).

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  Arch with a shell ornament. Fictitious prison space from the second edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1761).

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  Arch with a shell ornament. Fictitious prison space from the first edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1749/50).

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  Prisoners on a projecting platform. Fictitious prison space from the second edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1761).

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  Prisoners on a projecting platform. Fictitious prison space from the first edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1749/50).

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  The Giant Wheel. Fictitious prison space from the second edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1761).

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  The Giant Wheel. Fictitious prison space from the first edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1749/50).

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  Staircase with Trophies. Fictitious prison space from the second edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1761).

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  Staircase with Trophies. Fictitious prison space from the first edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1749/50).

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  The Drawbridge. Fictitious prison space from the second edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1761).

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  The Drawbridge. Fictitious prison space from the first edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1749/50).

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  The Smoking Fire. Fictitious prison space from the second edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1761).

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  The Smoking Fire. Fictitious prison space from the first edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1749/50).

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  Lion Bas-Relief. Fictitious prison space from Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione".

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  The Grand Piazza (Great Square): Fictitious prison space from the second edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1761).

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  The Grand Piazza (Great Square): Fictitious prison space from the first edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1749/50).

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  Round Tower. Fictitious prison space from the second edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione"(c. 1761).

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  Round Tower. Fictitious prison space from the first edition of Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione" (1749/50).

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  Man in the rack. Depiction of torture from Piranesi's "Carceri d'invenzione".

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  Imaginary depiction of funerary chamber at Roman mausoleum.

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  Imaginary depiction of Roman altar.

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  Imaginary depiction of Roman mausoleum, Rome.

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  Imaginary depiction of Roman temple, Rome.

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  Imaginary depiction of tetrapylon and fountain at Doric portico in Rome.

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  Imaginary depiction of Doric stoa, Rome.

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  Imaginary depiction of part of the Roman forum, Rome.

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  Imaginary depiction of entrance to ancient temple, Rome.

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  Imaginary depiction of palace with columns, in Rome.

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  Imaginary depiction of stairways in Rome.

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  Imaginary depiction of Capitoline Hill in Rome. On the left, the temple of Jupiter. At the centre, mounted statue of Marcus Aurelius. In the background, on the right, modern buildings situated on the hill.

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  Hall of public building of the Roman period, Rome (imaginary depiction).

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  Imaginary depiction of bridge, probably Milvio bridge, in Rome.

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  Remains of mausoleum in Rome (imaginary depiction).

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  Remains of monumental buildings in Rome.

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  View of prison in Rome (imaginary depiction).

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  View of sculpture gallery in Rome (imaginary depiction).

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  Sarcophagi from the catacombs of Saint Sebastian, Rome.

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  Inscriptions and reliefs from the catacombs of Saint Sebastian, Rome.

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  Remains of funerary monuments, Rome.

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  Plan of funerary chambers, probably of the Roman era, discovered around 1751, according to the author.

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  Funerary inscriptions from the tombs of Praetorian guards.

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  Funerary inscriptions from the tombs of Praetorian guards.

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  Plan, inscription and architectural features of funerary monument at Vigna Casali, outside the Appian Gate (Porta San Sebastiano), Rome.

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  Interior of funerary chamber at Vigna Casali, outside the Appian Gate (Porta San Sebastiano), Rome (imaginary depiction).

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  Roman sarcophagi and urns found close to Villa Corsini, Rome.

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  Urns from Rome.

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  View and plan of mausoleum at Villa Gordani.

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  Plan of the mausoleum of Augustus, Rome.

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  View of the mausoleum of Villa Gordiani.

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  Section and decorative features of the mausoleum of Augustus.

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  Decorative features and inscription from the mausoleum of Augustus.

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  Frontispiece: Imaginary depiction of the Campus Martius (Martian Field), Rome.

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  Map of the Appian Way, Rome, with sections of monumental tombs.

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  Part of retaining wall of crematorium on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Part of retaining wall of crematorium on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Remains of crematorium on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  View of the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Remains of funerary structures along the Appian Way.

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  Plan, section and architectural features of mausoleum on the Appian Way, outside Rome.

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  The Horatii and Curiatii mausoleum on the Appian Way.

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  Inscriptions from the mausoleum of the family of Plautus Lucanus.

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  View of the mausoleum of the family of Plautus Lucanus.

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  Plan and architectural features of the mausoleum of the family of Plautus Lucanus, Rome.

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  The tomb of Vibius Marianus (also known as Nero's tomb), Rome.

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  The so-called “Mausoleo a Piramide” on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Ceiling plan and section of the mausoleum of Saint Helena, Rome.

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  Plan of the mausoleum of Saint Helena, Rome.

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  View of the mausoleum of Saint Helena, Rome.

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  The porphyry sarcophagus of Saint Helena, today at the Vatican museum.

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  Funerary monument on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  View of crematorium and columbarium of the Augustan era on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Seals, reliefs, urns and other antiquities from crematorium and columbarium of the Augustan era on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Seals, ans relief from crematorium and columbarium of the Augustan era on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Fragments of urns and sarcophagi from crematorium and columbarium of the Augustan era on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Inscriptions and sarcophagi fragments from crematorium and columbarium of the Augustan era on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Urn inscriptions from crematorium and columbarium of the Augustan era on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Urn inscriptions from crematorium and columbarium of the Augustan era on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Urn inscriptions from crematorium and columbarium of the Augustan era on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  View of crematorium and columbarium of the Augustan era on the Appian Way, Rome (imaginary depiction).

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  Ceiling plan of crematorium and columbarium of the Augustan era on the Appian Way, Rome (reconstructed).

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  View of the pyramid of Gaius Cestius, Rome.

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  Inscription from the pyramid of Gaius Cestius, Rome.

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  One of the two pedestals at the entrance to the Capitoline citadel, Rome.

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  Plan of the pyramid of Cestius, Rome.

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  Section of the pyramid of Cestius, Rome.

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  Pyramid of Cestius, Rome: Fragments of murals from the funerary chamber.

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  Pyramid of Cestius, Rome: Vases from the funerary chamber.

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  Pyramid of Cestius, Rome: Vases from the funerary chamber.

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  Pyramid of Cestius, Rome: Fragments of murals from the funerary chamber.

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  View, section and architectural features of the mausoleum of Caecilia Metella on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  View of the mausoleum of Caecilia Metella on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  View of the mausoleum of Caecilia Metella on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Fragments of marble sarcophagus from the mausoleum of Caecilia Metella on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  Means by which blocks of marble were lifted in the Roman era.

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  Instrument used to lift marble blocks, called the Ulivella and used during the Roman era.

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  Frontispiece to the fourth volume of the edition: Monumental structure on Tiber river (imaginary depiction).

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  The monument of Castel Sant'Angelo or Mausoleum of Hadrian, Rome.

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  Plan of Castel Sant'Angelo or Mausoleum of Hadrian, Rome.

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  View of the foundations of Castel Sant'Angelo or Mausoleum of Hadrian, Rome.

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  Section and architectural features of the foundations of Castel Sant'Angelo or Mausoleum of Hadrian, Rome.

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  Entrance to the upper level of Castel Sant'Angelo or Mausoleum of Hadrian, Rome.

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  Plan of the remains of the Mausoleum of Hadrian, today part of Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome.

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  Longitudinal section of the bridge of Sant'Angelo and the Mausoleum of Hadrian, Rome.

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  Section of one of the arches of Sant'Angelo bridge, Rome.

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  View of Sant'Angelo bridge, Rome.

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  Remains of Nero's bridge (Ponte Neroniano), Rome.

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  Plan of the bridges Fabricius and Cestius, Rome. Inscriptions in hieroglyphics and Latin.

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  Remains of the Roman pavement on Tiber island, where the temple of Aesculapius stood.

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  Remains of the bridge of Fabricius (Ponte Fabricio), Rome.

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  Roman inscription from Fabricius Bridge. The inscription is repeated across the arches and reads: L . FABRICIVS . C . F . CVR . VIAR | FACIVNDVM . COERAVIT | IDEMQVE | PROBAVIT

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  Plan and elevation of the bridge of Fabricius in Rome.

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  Section of the bridge of Fabricius in Rome.

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  Section of the bridge of Fabricius in Rome.

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  View of the bridge of Cestius in Rome.

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  Roman inscriptions and plan of part of the bridge of Cestius in Rome.

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  Side view and architectural features of the bridge of Cestius in Rome.

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  Vertical section of the arch of the bridge of Cestius in Rome.

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  Plan and reconstruction of the remains of the theatre of Marcellus in Rome.

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  Plan of the remains of the theatre of Marcellus in Rome.

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  Fragments of the marble plan of ancient Rome called Forma Urbis Romae, or Severan Marle plan, created under Septimius Severus.

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  Theatre of Marcellus, Rome.

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  Section of one of the banks at the theatre of Marcellus, Rome.

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  Section of one of the banks at the theatre of Marcellus, Rome.

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  Transverse section of one of the lower banks at the theatre of Marcellus, Rome.

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  View of the remains of the theatre of Marcellus in Rome.

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  Plan, reconstruction and architectural features of the Doric columns at the exterior of the theatre of Marcellus in Rome.

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  Reconstruction and architectural features (entablature, triglyphs and guttae) of the Doric columns at the exterior of the theatre of Marcellus in Rome.

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  Reconstruction and architectural features (entablature, triglyphs and guttae) of the Doric columns at the exterior of the theatre of Marcellus in Rome.

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  Reconstruction and architectural features (entablature, triglyphs and guttae) of the Ionic columns of the second level of the theatre of Marcellus in Rome.

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  Reconstruction and architectural features (entablature, triglyphs and guttae) of the Ionic columns of the second level of the theatre of Marcellus in Rome.

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  Reconstruction and architectural features (entablature, triglyphs and guttae) of the Ionic columns of the second level of the theatre of Marcellus in Rome.

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  1. Plan of the theatre of Pompey in Rome. 2. Reconstruction of the stairway leading to the banks.

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  Portico of Octavia, Rome: Elevation, plan and reconstruction of the main entrance.

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  Portico of Octavia, Rome: Elevation, plan and architectural features of the main entrance.

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  Portico of Octavia, Rome: Section and architectural features of the main entrance.

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  Portico of Octavia, Rome: Architectural features of the main entrance.

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  Portico of Octavia, Rome: Architectural features of the main entrance (elevation and celing plan of anta, Ionic column).

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  Portico of Octavia, Rome: Architectural features of the main entrance (entablature and Ionic column).

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  Plan of the temple of Jupiter Stator, around which the Portico of Octavia was built.

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  Reconstruction of the temple of Jupiter Stator, around which the Portico of Octavia was built. Longitudinal section.

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  Temple of Jupiter Stator, Rome: View and celing plan of Corinthian column capital. Lower left: Part of the entablature at the corner. Upper right: Column base.

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  Remains of the Porticus Philippi around the temple of Hercules and the Muses, Rome.

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  Plan of Saepta Julia and the surrounding portico.

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  Plan and architectural features of the remains of the Aemilius Portico at the Roman forum of Rome.

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  Plan and reconstruction of the temple of Portunus, formerly called temple of Fortuna Virilis, Rome.

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  Lateral section and longitudinal section of the temple of Portunus, formerly called temple of Fortuna Virilis, Rome.

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  Drawing of helix and details of Ionic column base from the temple of Portunus, formerly called temple of Fortuna Virilis, Rome.

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  Reconstruction of entablature corner and details of Ionic column from the temple of Portunus, formerly called temple of Fortuna Virilis, Rome.

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  Elevation, reconstruction and plan of arches at the Divo Claudio temple complex, Rome.

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  Vertical section of arch at the Divo Claudio temple complex, Rome.

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  Architectural features of the portico of the Divo Claudio temple complex, Rome.

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  Architectural features of the portico of the Divo Claudio temple complex, Rome.

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  Inscriptions and remains of Roman college near Porta Maggiore, Rome.

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  Frontispiece: The interior of the second temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  Remains of the walls of Paestum. In the background, the two temples of Hera and the temple of Athena.

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  View of the first temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  View of the opisthodomos of the first temple of Hera at Paestum. In the background, the second temple of Hera.

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  Side view of the first temple of Hera at Paestum. On the right, the second temple of Hera.

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  View of the pronaos of the first temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  View of the first temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  View of the interior of the first temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  View of the interior of the first temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  View of the interior of the first temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  Second temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  Second temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  View of the interior of the second temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  View of the interior of the second temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  View of the pronaos of the second temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  View of the opisthodomos of the second temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  View of the interior of the second temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  View of the interior of the second temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  View of the interior of the second temple of Hera at Paestum.

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  Temple of Athena, Paestum.

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  Side view of the temple of Athena, Paestum.

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  Title page.

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  Interior of the temple of Athena at Paestum.

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  Frontispiece: Composition of Roman antiquities.

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  Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome.

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  View of the interior of Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome.

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  Interior of the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura (Saint Paul outside the Walls), Rome.

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  View of the basilica of San Giovanni Laterano, Rome.

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  View of the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.

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  View of Piazza del Popolo, Rome. In the foreground, the Obelisk of Ramses II. In the background, the basilicas of Santa Maria in Montesano and Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

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  View of the Piazza del Quirinale, Rome. The centre, the Dioscuri fountain.

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  View of Piazza Navona, Rome. In the foreground, the Fountain of Neptune. In the background, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi with the Obelisk of Domitian.

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  View of Piazza della Rotonda, Rome. On the right, the Pantheon. At the centre, the fountain and the obelisk.

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  Fontana di Trevi, Rome.

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  Pyramid of Cestius, Rome.

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  View of the Capitoline Hill, Rome.

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  View of the Roman Agora, Rome. On the foreground, on the left, the arch of Septimus Severus.

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  The remains of Domus Aurea, Nero's palace in Rome.

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  The Column of Trajan at Trajan's forum, Rome.

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  The column of Marcus Aurelius at Piazza Colonna, Rome.

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  Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum, Rome.

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  Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome.

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  Piazza di Spagna, Rome. At the centre, the Fontana della Barcacchia.

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  Ripetta quay on Tiber river, Rome.

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  Castel Sant'Angelo or Mausoleum of Hadrian, Rome. In the background, Saint Peter's Basilica.

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  Theatre of Marcellus, Rome.

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  Interior of the church and mausoleum of Santa Costanza Rome.

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  View of the Roman Forum, Rome.

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  Part of the portico at the Divo Claudio temple complex, Rome.

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  Remains of the dining room at Domus Aurea, Nero's palace in Rome.

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  The temple of Portunus, formerly called temple of Fortuna Virilis, Rome. In the 16th century, the temple was converted into the church of Santa Maria Egiziaca.

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  Side view of the church of San Lorenzo, built on the site of the temple of Antoninus and Faustina in Rome.

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  The Obelisk of Touthmose III in front of San Giovanni di Laterano Basilica, Rome.

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  Arch of Septimus Severus, Rome.

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  Main entrance to the Portico of Octavia in Rome, in the 18th century.

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  Main entrance to the Portico of Octavia in Rome, in the 18th century.

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  Side colonnade of the temple of Hadrian in Rome.

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  View of the Nymphaeum of Alexander or Trofei di Mario, Rome.

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  Castel Sant'Angelo or Mausoleum of Hadrian, Rome.

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  View of the basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura (Saint Paul outside the walls), Rome.

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  Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.

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  Basilica of Santa Croce, Rome.

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  Acqua Paola fountain, Rome.

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  Palazzo della Consulta, Rome.

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  Palazzo Montesitorio, Rome.

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  Palazzo Mancini on the Via del Corso, Rome.

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  Palazzo Odescalchi, Rome.

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  View of Porto Ripa, main port of Rome from the 16th century onwards.

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  Salario Bridge, Rome.

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  The Forum of Nerva in Rome, 18th century.

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  Remains of temple in Rome. The engraver identifies the site as the temple of Jupiter Tonans.

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  Temple of Hercules Olivarius or Victor, Rome.

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  Church of Sant'Urbano alla Caffarella, site of the temple of Cybele and Faustina.

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  Arch of Titus, Rome.

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  Basilica of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura (Saint Laurence outside the Walls), Rome.

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  Acqua Felice or Fountain of Moses, Rome.

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  Palazzo Barberini (today National Gallery of ancient Art), Rome.

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  Capitoline Hill, Rome (imaginary depiction).

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  Pyramid of Cestius, Rome.

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  View of the Colosseum, Rome.

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  Basilica of S. Sebastiano fuori le mura (Saint Sebastian outside the Walls), Rome.

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  Pantheon, Rome.

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  View of the putative temple of Vesta at Tivoli. In the foreground, on the right, the temple of Sibylla Albunea or Tiburtine Sibyl.

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  View of the temple of Sibylla Albunea or Tiburtine Sibyl at Tivoli.

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  View of the putative temple of Vesta at Tivoli. In the foreground, on the right, the temple of Sibylla Albunea Or Tiburtine Sibyl.

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  View of Milvio bridge, Rome.

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  View of the palace of Maecenas at Tivoli.

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  The twin churches of Santa Maria di Loretto and Santissimo Nome di Maria at the Forum of Trajan, Rome.

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  View of the mausoleum of Caecilia Metella on the Appian Way, Rome.

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  View of Lugano bridge, Tivoli.

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  Monumental structure at Tivoli, called the Tempio della Tosse.

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  Interior of monumental structure at Tivoli, called the Tempio della Tosse.

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  Roman funerary monument on the intersection of the Via Appia Pignatelli and the Via Appia Nuova.

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  View of the mausoleum of Lucius Calpurnius Piso (on via Salaria) and the mausoleum of the Scipios family, which housed the sarcophagus of Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus.

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  Remains of the palace of Maecenas at Tivoli.

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  Roman nymphaeum at Esquilino, Rome, also called the temple of Minerva Medica.

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  Waterfalls at Tivoli.

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  View of the thermae of Caracalla.

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  Remains of the central hall of the Thermae of Diocletian in Rome. A large part of construction material of the hall was used to build the palace of Pope Sixtus V on Esquiline hill.

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  Interior of the Colosseum, Rome.

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  Remains of portico at the palace of Diocletian (today Barberini palace), at the village of Castel Gandolfo near lake Albano.

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  The nymphaeum of Egeria at Caffarella Park, Rome.

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  Church of Sant'Urbano alla Caffarella, site of the temple of Cybele and Faustina.

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  View of the pronaos of the Pantheon of Rome.

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  View of the mausoleum of Plautius Lucanus family, Rome.

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  Remains of the palace of Maecenas at Tivoli.

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  The temple of Apollo at Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli.

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  Interior of the Pantheon of Rome.

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  Interior of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.

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  Interior of the church of San Giovanni di Laterano, Rome.

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  Villa Albani, Rome.

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  Remains of the Serapeum of Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli.

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  Temple of Hercules, Cori.

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  Waterfalls at Tivoli.

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  Remains of portico at the Villa of Hadrian at Tivoli.

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  Remains of stoa built according to the model of Poecile Stoa (ancient Agora of Athens), at Hadrian's villa at Tivoli.

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  Remains of portico at the Forum of Nerva, Rome.

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  Arch of Janus, Rome.

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  Arch of Constantine, Rome.

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  Arch of Titus, Rome.

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  Arch of Septimus Severus, Rome.

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  View of the Roman Forum of Rome. In the foregrounf, the temple of Castor and Pollux. In the background, the Colosseum.

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  Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome.

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  Central nave of Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome.

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  View of Piazza del Quirinale, Rome. At the centre, the fountain of the Dioscuri.

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  Fontana dei Trevi, Rome.

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  View of Villa d'Este, Tivoli.

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  Sanctuary of the Camenae, Parco Caffarella, Rome.

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  Palazzo Farnese, Rome.

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  View of Piazza Navona, Rome. In the foreground, the Fountain of Neptune. In the background, the Fontana dei Quatri Fiumi with the Egyptian obelisk known as Obelisk of Domitian.

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  View of the tempe of Saturn, at the Roman Forum of Rome.

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  View of the tempe of Saturn, at the Roman Forum of Rome.

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  Imaginary depiction of the Capitoline Hill in Rome. On the left, the temple of Jupiter. At the centre, mounted statue of Marcus Aurelius.

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  The “Philosophers' Hall” at the Poecile Stoa of Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli.

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  Remains of soldiers' barracks at Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli.

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  Remains of the dining room at Domus Aurea, Nero's palace in Rome.

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  Remains of the thermae of Diocletian, Rome.

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  Remains of the thermae of Diocletian as they are today.

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  View of the Basilica of San Giovanni di Laterano. In the foreground, the Obelisk of Touthmosis III.

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  Remains of the aqueduct of Nero, which was an extension of Aqua Claudia in Rome.

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  Panoramic view of Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome.

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  View of Tiber island.

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  View of the basilica of San Giovanni di Laterano.

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  Remains of the thermae of Titus, Rome.

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  View of Doria Pamphili villa, Rome.

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  The Palatine bridge and the mouth of Cloaca Maxima, Rome's central sewer.

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  Panoramic view of the Colosseum in Rome.

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  Remains of the thermae of Titus, Rome.

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  Vidoni Caffarelli Palace, Rome.

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  Interior of the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which was built on the site of the thermae of Diocletian.

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  The Mausoleum of Flavia Domitilla, daughter of Vespasian, on the Appian Way at Curti, Campania. The monument is better known as the “Conocchia” (distaff), due to its distinct shape.

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  Remains of the Serapeum at Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli.

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  Buildings surrounding the Piazza d'Oro at Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli.

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  Remains of Hadrian's private baths or Heliocaminus at his Villa at Tivoli.

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  Entrance hall at Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli.

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  The Arch of Trajan at Benevento.

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  View of Roman tomb on the road to Tivoli.

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  Section of tomb on the ancient Appian Way.

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  Plan of tomb on the ancient Appian Way.

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  Title page of the second volume.

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  Remains of the Nero's theatre on the Palatine Hill, Rome.

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  Title page of the first volume.

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  Title page of the second edition of Piranesi's “Carceri d'invenzione” (c. 1761).

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  Title page of the first edition of Piranesi's “Carceri d'invenzione” (1749-50).

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  Title page of the first part of the edition.

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  Title page of the first part of the edition.

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  Title page.

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  Title page of the third volume.